Devon Tennis Awards 2026 Celebrate Local Champions at Exeter Club

The Devon Tennis Awards 2026 took place at the Exeter Golf & Country Club, celebrating the achievements of the county’s tennis and padel community. Sponsored by WBW Solicitors, the event recognised clubs, coaches, volunteers, players, and teams whose efforts have significantly contributed to the growth of tennis and padel in Devon.

Devon Tennis Chairman Max Goodison opened the evening by welcoming attendees and discussing the organisation’s strategic goals for 2026 and beyond. His remarks set the tone for a night dedicated to honouring those who have excelled in various capacities within the sport.

Following Goodison, Will McNally, the Performance Manager, shared highlights from the past year, showcasing key successes in local tennis initiatives and events. His presentation emphasized the progress made in player development and community engagement throughout 2025.

The event also featured insights from Sharon Heeley, the LTA Head of Delivery for the South and South West. She provided an overview of national and regional development projects, detailing their positive impacts on tennis participation across the region.

After a buffet supper, the awards ceremony commenced, with Honorary President David Vinall presenting accolades to nominees and winners. The awards celebrated commitment, passion, and the positive influence on the sport, creating a vibrant atmosphere of recognition and appreciation.

A significant moment of the evening was the presentation of County Colours to the Devon Ladies 75s team. This award acknowledged their remarkable achievement in winning the County Cup Competition. The team triumphed over formidable competition, defeating teams from Middlesex, Surrey, Warwickshire, Kent, and Suffolk during the summer, before clinching the title against the Northern section winners in Southampton in autumn 2025.

The Devon Tennis Awards served as a fitting tribute to the dedication and talent present in the county, showcasing the collective efforts of the tennis and padel community. As the evening concluded, participants left with a renewed sense of pride in their contributions to the sport and enthusiasm for the future of tennis in Devon.